'Noles' Posey honored

OMAHA, Neb. — Florida State catcher Buster Posey picked up yet another postseason award Saturday when he was named the recipient of the Dick Howser Trophy, annually given to the nation's top player.

Posey led the Seminoles by hitting an NCAA-leading .460. His 26 home runs were tied for the best nationally and he topped the RBI list with 92. A first-team All-American, Posey was drafted fifth overall by the San Francisco Giants.

Past winners of the award include Todd Helton, Robin Ventura, Alex Fernandez and J.D. Drew. Posey was also Collegiate Baseball's Player of the Year, and won MVP honors in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

ONE OF THOSE DAYS

No player had to feel worse after FSU's 16-5 loss to Stanford than shortstop Tony Delmonico. He committed three fielding errors, all of which altered innings and led to runs.

The most costly two came in Stanford's 11-run ninth inning. The first error, which likely would have turned a double play, allowed the Cardinal to load the bases.

"Unfortunately, it just wasn't our day," FSU coach Mike Martin said. "Tony has been a tremendous part of the success of our program. It was just one of those days that things didn't go right for us."

WILL DROUGHT CONTINUE?

With three teams among the top four seeds, this could be the best chance for the ACC to end its drought of national championships.

The league hasn't won the national title since Wake Forest did it in 1955. This year, it is represented by North Carolina, Florida State and Miami, the No. 1 overall seed.

Although the Hurricanes have won four titles, they all were before joining the ACC in 2005.

"We take pride in the Atlantic Coast Conference, and we're going to try to do all we can," UNC coach Mike Fox said. "If our league gets the title out here, then hopefully everybody will stop mentioning the 50-year period."

HEAVY HEARTS

Stanford played with heavy emotions after a member of the school's athletic department unexpectedly passed away Wednesday. Kathy Wolff, the baseball administrative assistant the last 21 years, died in her sleep.

"Anyone who knows Stanford baseball will say that she is Stanford baseball," coach Mark Marquess said. "We are here with a saddened heart."